West Wight Sports & Community Centre is supporting this year’s Drowning Prevention Week campaign by helping local children learn vital water safety skills ahead of the summer holidays.
The national awareness campaign, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), runs from 13 to 20 June and aims to educate children and families about staying safe in, on and around water.
As an Island community surrounded by the sea, rivers and harbours, water safety is particularly important on the Isle of Wight. Throughout the week, West Wight Sports & Community Centre will incorporate dedicated water safety education into all of its swimming lessons, helping young swimmers build confidence and learn potentially life-saving skills.
Lessons will cover key topics including the Water Safety Code, floating techniques, open water awareness and what to do in an emergency. The centre will also be sharing safety advice and resources with families throughout the week.
The campaign reflects the original purpose of the centre’s swimming pool, which was created to give local children access to safe swimming opportunities and help them develop confidence in the water.
Clare Griffin, centre manager at West Wight Sports & Community Centre, said:
“Living on an island means water is a part of everyday life for many families, whether that’s visiting the beach, taking part in watersports or simply spending time by the coast. Learning to swim and understanding how to stay safe around water are essential life skills for local children.
“We are proud to support Drowning Prevention Week and to continue the centre’s long-standing commitment to helping young people build confidence in the water. Every swimming lesson is about more than learning strokes – it’s also about developing the knowledge and awareness that can help keep children safe for life.”
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According to RLSS UK, drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among children and young people in the UK, with many incidents occurring during the warmer months when more people are spending time around water.
West Wight Sports & Community Centre hopes the campaign will encourage more families to consider swimming lessons as an important investment in their child’s safety and wellbeing.
Alongside its regular swimming lesson programme, the centre also offers intensive courses during school holidays, helping children develop their skills and confidence in the water.
For more information about swimming lessons and activities at West Wight Sports & Community Centre, visit the centre’s website www.westwight.org.uk or contact the reception team.
